There was widespread jubilation across Ebonyi State on Monday following the approval of a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus for civil servants by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, a move many workers have described as timely and morale-boosting amid rising economic pressures.
The bonus, which will be paid to every civil servant in the state, is intended to cushion the cost of living during the 2025 festive season and reinforce the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
The announcement was formally conveyed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Monday Uzor.
According to the statement, Governor Nwifuru made the announcement on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, where he addressed worshippers and reflected on the challenges and achievements of his administration over the past year.
“Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a hundred and fifty thousand naira Christmas bonus to every civil servant in the state,” the statement read.
Uzor noted that the governor explained that the decision to approve such a significant bonus was not taken lightly, especially given the financial constraints faced by the state in the past year. However, Nwifuru stressed that the welfare of civil servants remains a top priority of his government, describing workers as the backbone of effective governance and service delivery.
Speaking to the congregation, the governor acknowledged the impact of dwindling revenue on state finances but insisted that his administration would continue to make sacrifices to ensure that workers are motivated and supported.
“This gesture is to appreciate our civil servants for their dedication and resilience,” Nwifuru was quoted as saying. “Despite the economic realities and reduced inflow of funds, we believe that taking care of our workforce is essential to building a productive and progressive Ebonyi State.”
The announcement sparked excitement among civil servants across ministries, departments and agencies, with many describing the bonus as unprecedented in the state’s history. Several workers who spoke after the announcement praised the governor for what they called a rare show of empathy and responsiveness to the needs of public servants.
Beyond the Christmas bonus, Governor Nwifuru also used the occasion to address ongoing public discussions surrounding key infrastructural projects in the state, particularly the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo flyover currently under construction in Abakaliki.
He dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting delays or setbacks in the execution of the flyover, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded. According to the governor, the project remains on course and represents one of the most ambitious infrastructural undertakings currently underway in Nigeria.
“You cannot find any state in Nigeria that is doing such a flyover currently,” Nwifuru said, underscoring the scale and complexity of the project.
He explained that the flyover is technically demanding and capital-intensive, which may give the impression of slow progress to observers unfamiliar with the nature of such projects. However, he assured residents that once completed, the flyover would significantly transform the state capital, improve traffic flow and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of Ebonyi State.
The governor also criticised what he described as deliberate misinformation by some social media commentators, accusing them of attempting to undermine public confidence in the project and his administration.
“We are doing it not because we have money,” he said. “We are doing it because we want to sign our signature in the annals of history.”
Nwifuru added that his administration is determined to position Ebonyi State on the global map through good governance, bold infrastructure and people-oriented policies. He said the flyover project, alongside other ongoing developments, reflects the government’s vision of a modern and forward-looking state.
The Christmas bonus is the latest in a series of worker-friendly policies introduced by the Nwifuru administration. In August, the governor approved a ₦20,000 increase in the state’s minimum wage, raising civil servants’ monthly pay to ₦90,000. At the time, the state government announced that the new wage structure took immediate effect.
Officials said the salary increase aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda,” a policy framework focused on improving the welfare of citizens, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development across the state.
As the festive season approaches, the ₦150,000 Christmas bonus has been widely welcomed as a strong signal of the administration’s priorities. For many workers, it represents not just financial relief, but also recognition of their contributions and a renewed sense of optimism about the future under the current leadership.
